Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A capsule endoscope apparatus comprising: a housing having a size and a shape capable of being swallowed by a human, the housing having a transparent portion; a light source enclosed within the housing, the light source to transmit light through the transparent portion of the housing; a camera within the housing, the camera to obtain images of surfaces illuminated by the light from the light source; compression circuitry disposed within the housing and coupled to the camera to receive the images from the camera and compress the images obtained by the camera; a controller disposed within the housing and coupled to control image capture of the endoscope apparatus; a memory including a NAND flash device coupled to the compression circuitry to receive the images obtained by the camera, and compressed by the compression circuitry, wherein the memory is disposed within the housing to store the images; patient identification information, sufficient to identify a patient who is to use the capsule endoscope, stored in the memory, wherein the patient identification information comprises information selected from a patient name and a patient identification number; and analysis level specifying information stored in the memory, the analysis level specifying information specifying a level of analysis to be used to analyze the images obtained by the capsule endoscope, wherein the level of analysis to be used to analyze the images is specified by the patient.
A swallowable capsule endoscope contains a transparent housing, a light source to illuminate surfaces, and a camera to capture images. Inside, compression circuitry reduces the size of the images, a controller manages image capture, and NAND flash memory stores the compressed images. Crucially, the memory also stores patient identification (name or ID number) and analysis level information selected by the patient. This analysis level dictates the intensity of image analysis to be performed later. The entire device is self-contained for image acquisition and preliminary data storage within the body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the analysis level specifying information specifies that one of a plurality of different levels of analysis are to be used to analyze the images, the plurality of different levels of analysis including at least a first level of analysis and a second level of analysis that involves more analysis than the first level of analysis.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, allows for different levels of image analysis. These levels include at least a first level and a second level where the second level involves a more extensive or in-depth analysis of the captured images than the first level. The patient's selection determines which analysis intensity is applied to the acquired images.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , included within a kit comprising a pre-addressed return device, the pre-addressed return device pre-addressed with an address of an analysis facility that is to analyze the images obtained by the capsule endoscope.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, is included within a kit containing a pre-addressed return device. This return device already has the address of the analysis facility printed on it, simplifying the process of sending the used capsule endoscope to the correct location for image analysis after it has been retrieved from the patient.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , included within a delivered mailing device having at least one of a postmark and a cancellation of postage, the delivered mailing device having an address of a patient who is to use the capsule endoscope.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, comes within a delivered mailing device, such as a box or envelope, with a postmark or postage cancellation, already addressed to the patient who will be using the capsule endoscope. This facilitates easy delivery of the device to the intended user.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source is coupled to emit infrared light and the camera is coupled to receive the infrared light and obtain the images using the infrared light.
In the capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, the light source emits infrared light. The camera is specifically designed to capture images using this infrared light. This allows for imaging techniques that may not be possible with visible light.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source is coupled to emit ultraviolet light and the camera is coupled to receive the ultraviolet light and obtain the images using the ultraviolet light.
In the capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, the light source emits ultraviolet light. The camera is designed to capture images using this ultraviolet light. This allows for imaging techniques that may not be possible with visible light, such as fluorescence imaging.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes logic to actively vary a wavelength of the light emitted from the light source during operation of the capsule endoscope apparatus.
In the capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, the controller actively changes the wavelength of light emitted by the light source during operation. This allows for dynamic spectral imaging, potentially highlighting different tissue characteristics at different wavelengths.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising encryption circuitry coupled to the compression circuitry to receive the images that were compressed and encrypt the images, and coupled to the NAND flash device to store the images that were encrypted.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, includes encryption circuitry. This circuitry encrypts the compressed images before they are stored in the NAND flash memory, providing an additional layer of security for the patient data.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , where the housing of the capsule endoscope apparatus is dissembled to extract the NAND flash device from the capsule endoscope apparatus and recover the images.
For the capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, the NAND flash device is physically removed from the capsule endoscope after use by disassembling the housing. This allows direct access to the stored images by extracting the memory chip.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising pre-programmed delay information stored in the NAND flash device to instruct the camera to delay capture of the images for at least one hour after the capsule endoscope apparatus is activated.
In the capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, the NAND flash memory contains pre-programmed delay information. This information instructs the camera to delay the start of image capture for a specified period (at least one hour) after the device is activated. This delay allows the capsule to reach the desired location in the digestive tract before imaging begins.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing is at least one of spherical, cubic, or elongated cubic.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, can have a housing that is spherical, cubic, or elongated cubic in shape. This refers to the outer form factor of the swallowable capsule.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a data output port shaped to accept an electrical conductor to output the images in the NAND flash device.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, as described containing a transparent housing, light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information, includes a data output port shaped to accept an electrical conductor. This port allows for direct wired transfer of images from the NAND flash memory to an external device.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the hosing is fully transparent.
The invention relates to an apparatus for fluid handling, specifically designed to improve visibility and monitoring of fluid flow within a system. The apparatus includes a housing that fully encloses a fluid conduit, where the housing is fully transparent to allow unobstructed visual inspection of the fluid inside. This transparency enables real-time monitoring of fluid properties, such as color, clarity, and flow characteristics, without the need for additional sensors or invasive measurements. The transparent housing is constructed from a durable, chemically resistant material to ensure long-term clarity and structural integrity under varying operating conditions. The fluid conduit within the housing is designed to facilitate efficient fluid transport while maintaining visibility. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as mounting brackets or connectors, to integrate seamlessly into existing fluid handling systems. The transparent design enhances safety by allowing operators to quickly detect leaks, blockages, or contamination, reducing the risk of system failures or contamination-related issues. This apparatus is particularly useful in industries where fluid purity and monitoring are critical, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and laboratory applications.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the light source includes a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser configured to transmit the light through the housing that is fully transparent.
The capsule endoscope apparatus, with a fully transparent housing and which contains a light source, camera, compression circuitry, a controller, NAND flash memory for storing compressed images, patient identification and patient selected analysis level information accessible through a data output port shaped to accept an electrical conductor, utilizes a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) as the light source. The VCSEL is configured to transmit light through the transparent housing.
Unknown
November 14, 2017
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